An 82-year-old Maltese woman died on Monday evening after contracting influenza A (H1N1), after she developed complications due to pre-existing chronic conditions, the Health Department have said.

The woman, who had been admitted to hospital after being diagnosed with the virus on Friday, formed part of the group of people who were classified as being vulnerable since she suffered from chronic heart and respiratory conditions.

The Health Department stressed the importance of frequent hand washing and urged anyone suffering influenza symptoms to contact their doctor and not leave their house.

The National Pandemic Committee has been meeting regularly and said that people seeking more information should telephone on 2132 4086 or alternatively send an email to disease.surveillance@gov.mt.

Additionally, informative videos in the Maltese language are available on www.youtube.com/segretarjat.

Symptoms of Influenza A H1N1 may include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, joint pain, headache, chills and fatigue.

Anyone who is currently feeling any of the symptoms is urged not to go to hospital emergency departments or clinics, instead they should stay at home and contact a doctor, or contact the National swine flu helpline on 21324086.

The World Health Organisations comprehensive advisory on how best to protect ourselves from becoming infected and what to do if we think we have caught the virus can be viewed by clicking this link.

The WHO advisory also answers a number of questions that may arise during the course of this current pandemic.

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